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The Caribbean region is one that is rich in cultural and historical heritage. The islands of the region have all experienced similar eras in history such as slavery, indentureship, and colonialism. These periods, altogether, have contributed to the production of a unique region.This uniqueness, however, is hard to define and some argue there may not even be something that can be called a Caribbean Identity. According to the Macamillian Dictionary (2017), identity is simply what makes up the characteristics of an individual or entity that also makes them distinguishable from another. This issue may be due to each island have their own unique history and culture that have caused some isolation between them. Other factors such as politics, economics and geographical location also add to this issue. Additionally, some individuals do not see themselves are being a part of a larger Caribbean society and seek other cultures to define themselves by. The aim of this portfolio is to highlight some reason why this maybe case as well as to showcase the areas in which it the Caribbean shows itself as a powerful trademark.
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++WOMEN OF THE CARIBBEAN: HOW THEY SHAPE  IDENTITY++

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++WOMEN OF THE CARIBBEAN: HOW THEY SHAPE  IDENTITY++

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*Application of learning in the course to understanding a problem of regional importance as reflected in news and current affairs literature/programs in the region.*

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ANALYSIS

The article titled Resilience of Caribbean Women by Jean Antoine-Dunne was written in the Trinidad and Tobago Newsday daily newspaper that was published on Monday, March 13, 2017.Antoine- Dunne wrote on film she had seen entitled  I is a long Memoried Woman. This film portrayed the ways in which women of the Caribbean have coped with various challenges in the Caribbean society as well as in the diaspora. Some of the challenges faced by women in the Caribbean ultimately developed out of ideologies passed down through history, especially from the era of colonialism.
Women in the Caribbean are seen natural nurturers and caretakers of the household. It is because of this role, they play an important part in shaping the fabric of our Caribbean society. Women, being the main caregiver of offspring, will ultimate have easier access to pass down information to the younger generation. Some of the ideas passed down, however, are either beneficial or detrimental. It is seen that their resistance various form of abuse, oppression, and discrimination leads to the birth of cultural practices such as dances, storytelling and other forms of art as well as the building up of community life. Their resilience also lead to changes being made in society so that women were given equal opportunities in various sectors of society. However, the ideology of metropolitan countries being superior to the Caribbean was also passed down. This meant the younger generation barely developed a sense of appreciation of their Caribbean heritage. They see opportunities being more lucrative in foreign states, namely in the United States and United Kingdom nations. Some women even go as far as to give birth in these countries so that their children can have dual citizenship with the hopes of giving them "a better chance in life". The act of leaving one's children and going abroad to work to provide for them also stemmed for this ideology. The term "barrel children" was coined by Dr. Claudette Crawford-Brown. She uses this term to describe children who are in this position. These children are eventually called to said countries after some time in most cases.
The worth of the region needs to be communicated to the younger generation. The family unit is one that plays a major role in this development. It any changes is to occur, it needs to start at the home.

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RESILIANCE OF CARIBBEAN WOMEN_ JEAN  ANTOINE-DUNNE

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++THE NEED FOR REVISIONISM IN OUR CARIBBEAN HISTORY++ 

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++THE NEED FOR REVISIONISM IN OUR CARIBBEAN HISTORY++ 

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*Critical thinking on an issue of importance to Caribbean Civilisation.*
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ANALYSIS

Revisionism involves correcting historical information on a certain topic as new information about said topic is discovered. This is an important concept that needs to incorporated into the action of reforming recorded Caribbean history. If it is not possible to correctly define the Caribbean from a historical standpoint, how the region is viewed as well as how the individual of the region view themselves may be skewed. Our collective memory needs to be addressed about our past.
Calypso is a form a social commentary that originated in the Caribbean, namely in Trinidad and Tobago. The Mighty Shadow is a calypsonian from Trinidad and Tobago who wrote the calypso “Columbus Lied” in 1989.  It looked at the false ideologies perpetuated by the metropolitan countries that led to the onset of the colonialism era in the Caribbean. Many still believe that Columbus, a Spanish explorer, discovered the islands of the Caribbean in 1400's. This is one of the many eurocentric ideas that have shaped various facets of our Caribbean society that have caused us to lose parts of our history and culture. There were the indigenous people, a few Africans and other groups in the Caribbean before Columbus arrived.This is not taught as it should be in schools.This is usually learned later on at the post-secondary level in the Caribbean, a level some may never attain. Most of the History in our Caribbean school are taught based on the colonial perspective that focuses on foreign states. Most of the people in the Caribbean are very ignorant about the true history or the Caribbean. This has encouraged the belief that the region is of an inferior stature to the rest of the world.
The mindset of an area and its people is shaped by its history.Therefore, the more revisionism is done and the more we learn the truth about the Caribbean regions past the more we can learn to appreciate and develop the region's identity.

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*Application of learning in Caribbean Civilisation, to students’ understanding of their social or geographical environment. *
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ANALYSIS

The poem entitled Caribbean is written by Eva Greene-Wilson, a woman from Trinidad and Tobago. The poem describes the Caribbean in small sentences that capture aspects of it more ways than one. Though these sentences are not detailed, one can feel the Caribbean atmosphere. The way in which the environment, culture, and togetherness are described, makes the Caribbean a destination to be desired. However, this is not the way in which most see or feel about the Caribbean.
From experiences, I have heard most young people say the Caribbean region as a whole or their own country is limited. I have seen this in my own family. They see the region as not being developed or lacking resources they can get elsewhere in the world. My mother says we are very blessed in Trinidad and Tobago and that this country can be very magnificent if we really want it to be. I agree with her sentiments as I am glad to be from the Caribbean myself. This perception is present in secondary and tertiary education individuals I have seen who would rather go aboard to better their lives.
In addition to the individual's perception of their own country and the Caribbean on the whole, there is also the notion of disunity between the islands. I have heard persons from other Caribbean islands say demeaning things about others from neighboring Caribbean islands. This is unfortunate because we have many things in common and our individual cultures make the region interesting. Each island gives a unique experience. This may be one of the reasons why fully integrating the islands has been so difficult.We do not see ourselves as one.
This is not so in the diaspora. In the diaspora, there is a strong sense of unity and sense of Caribbean identity. It is unclear why that is so. Also, for events that take place on the world stage, we unite behind any representative from any Caribbean island. This should not be.
The individuals of the region need become aware of the reasons why we unite at one time but disunite at another. If we do this we can hopeful dispel this notion because unity is possible as seen in the diaspora. Also, the more worth we see in our own countries and region, the more we will strive to see it develop.If this is obtained, will eventually say with full confidence "I am from the Caribbean" as stated in the poem.
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*Self-evaluation of learning for the semester.*
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ANALYSIS

This Caribbean Civilization course was alright. It corrected a lot of errors that was taught to us previously with regards to Caribbean history. The idea of studying the region was refreshing after years of being taught about other places that were not located in the Caribbean region.
This course took students on a historical journey. For the first assignment, each individual had to collect historical artifacts to critically analyze. This was found to be very entertaining because it allowed each one of us to view our country's history in a critical light and from the various perspectives other than what was present in front of us.
The online class and quiz presented a new experience.Though there were some minor issues, the integration of the course is something that should be developed and better established so that the user experience can be a bit easier and more user-friendly.
This final portfolio was not as expected. It involved a more detailed approached in its presentation that encouraged more research and observation into the various aspects or our society presently.This encouraged the use of Caribbean literature and resource.The knowledge of knowing these resources helped to spark interest in the rich culture and history the region has.
Overall, this course was one that helps us to gain a better understanding of our Caribbean society. As it was stated during the course, we know so much about other places, especially the United States, yet we do not even know much about our own Caribbean neighbors.Additionally, the development of our critical thinking skills in the course will carry forward into our other courses as it is a very valuable skill.
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The Caribbean is a region with a lot of potential to be very influential in the world.However, if the individuals of the region fail to recognize its worth, there will be a constant struggle for the region in the future to be established as a viable contender on a worldwide scale. The younger individual may seek elsewhere in the world to develop their skill, live and increase their education because of the mindset they have developed about the region.The ideologies that create separation between the island needs to be combated by more integration methods and educational means.Our social institutions also need to teach the younger generation of the region so they carry on the path to develop as well as sustain the idea of a Caribbean Identity.

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3dman_eu. 2017.Jamaica. Accessed March 20, 2017.
https://pixabay.com/photo-1046596/.

Antoine-Dunne, Jean.2017. “Resilience of Caribbean Women”. Newsday. Port of Spain, 20,2017.Trinidad.April 13, 2017.Print.

Daily News Limited.2017. “Education Failing”. Newsday. Accessed
April 12, 2017. http://www.newsday.co.tt/news/0,224381.html.

Geki. 2017.The Dominican Republic.Accessed April 20, 2017. https://pixabay.com/photo-2072965/.

Greene-Wilson, Eva.2013.Caribbean.Accessed April 12, 2017.
http://socamom.com/soca/images/stories/caribbean_poem_
socamom.png.

Joe.2017. Dominican Republic Beach.Accessed April 12, 2017. https://pixabay.com/photo-1236581/.

Joe.2017. Dominican Republic Beach Sunset. Accessed April 20, 2017. https://pixabay.com/photo-1236581/.

Macmillan Publishers Limited. 2017. Identity. Accessed April 9, 2017.  http://www.macmillandictionary.com/dictionary/british/identity.

Macmillan Publishers Limited. 2017.Education. Accessed April 12, 2017.http://www.macmillandictionary.com/dictionary/british
/education.

Margecavani. 2017.Caribbean Sunset. Accessed April 20, 2017.
https://pixabay.com/photo-2037652/.

Nadine.2013. A little History in Song of the First Peoples and Christopher Columbus.Accessed April 9, 2017. https://doglovernadine.wordpress.com/2013/04/25/a-lil-history-in-song-of-the-first-peoples-and-columbus/.

Salandy, Dr. Anthony .2011.Dr. Claudette Crawford Brown Lecture in Jamaica. Accessed April 20,2017.
http://barrelchild.blogspot.com/2011/11/dr-claudette- crawford-borwn-lecture-in.html.

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